Project Area Summary 2005

Our sense of place

The Greater Christchurch area has been changing so fast over the past decade that many of the changes have happened before we've even noticed. So where are we living, what are we doing and how might that change over the next 20 years?

This is a snapshot of the districts within the Greater Christchurch area today and some projections based upon current trends. Click on the links of the participating councils to visit them for more information.

Total for Greater Christchurch

Households148,950182,540211,40042%

How many?

2001

2021

2041

% change

Population

379,070

431,200

500,000

32%

New dwellings required

33,590

62,450

Christchurch City

How many?

2001

2021

2041

% change

Population

327,211

358,800

398,510

22%

Households

129,700

153,100

170,293

31%

New dwellings required

23,400

40,593

Christchurch City has experienced rapid housing expansion to the north and southwest in recent years. New development in these outer suburbs is increasing traffic congestion on key roads in and out of the city. Following the spread of housing outwards, businesses are leaving the inner city and suburban malls are expanding creating mini city hubs around the suburbs. An ageing population is also creating more single person households fuelling the demand for dwellings ahead of population growth.

Banks Peninsula District*

How many?

2001

2021

2041

% change

Population

5,247

5,710

6,540

24%

Households

2,230

2,660

3,044

37%

New dwellings required

430

814

Banks Peninsula residents mostly work in the service and sales sectors, with many employed in tourism or working in Christchurch. Most development is occurring around Lyttelton Harbour (within commuting distance of Christchurch City) and Akaroa Harbour (leisure and tourism related). Can this area's open expanses, coastlines and volcanic landscapes be preserved as development occurs?

Selwyn District*

How many?

2001

2021

2041

% change

Population

16,397

25,130

38,460

134%

Households

5,620

9,730

14,622

160%

New dwellings required

4,110

9,002

The relative affordability of land and houses outside Christchurch City means if current trends continue farmland around towns such as Rolleston and Lincoln will be replaced by housing. As the population grows the number of people commuting to work in Christchurch City may also grow - increasing traffic on arterials in and out of Christchurch.

Waimakariri District*

How many?

2001

2021

2041

% change

Population

30,215

41,090

56,490

87%

Households

11,400

17,050

23,441

105%

New dwellings required

5,650

12,041

The rapid growth of Waimakariri District, and expansion of Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Woodend looks set to continue. With many residents travelling to work, study and shop in Christchurch City it will be a real challenge to ensure the district develops its own functioning social and economical heart. With only two bridges across the Waimakariri River traffic congestion will increase pressure for alternative transport options.